The church had a spire which was destroyed in a lightning storm that also destroyed the bells. Hasted says it was "about seven o'clock in the morning, when in a dreadful storm of thunder, the lightning set fire to the beautiful spire steeple of it, and in about three hours time burnt that and the whole building to ashes, excepting the bare walls." He did not mention how many bells were in the tower at the time. [1]

1913

Bells rehung by Alfred Bowell on new headstocks in the existing frame. [2]

1967

Bells tuned, quarter turned and rehung by Whitechapel who strengthened the frame.

[1]

This church has been twice set on fire by lightning: the first time, a few years ago, when it was fortunately soon extinguished; the last time was on April 23, 1779, about seven o'clock in the morning, when in a dreadful storm of thunder, the lightning se ("The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent: Volume 5", Edward Hasted, 1798)